Our Michigan car accident lawyers are happy to announce reports that the number of alcohol-related car crashes has declined across Metro Detroit and throughout the State of Michigan over the past decade. Report is according to police statistics.

In fact, according to audit information analyzed by The Detroit News, alcohol-related injury crashes in Michigan have plummeted 38 percent – 6,485 in 2001 to 4,007 in 2010. Alcohol-related fatal crashes have also declined – 419 fatal crashes in 2001 to 264 in 2010.

Other reporting done by the State Police, confirms that the trend of drunken driving declining has also extended into the holiday season. The number of Michigan drunk driver accidents over the Christmas holiday has fallen from 10 car accidents in 2001 to six accidents in 2010.

Many contributing factors may be behind the decrease in the number of drunk driving accidents in Michigan, with one factor being the fact that people are making smarter decisions. Another factor may be the fact that Michigan now has stiffer penalties when it comes to drinking and driving.

A new “super drunk” law that just went into effect this October enforces punishment of up to 180 days in jail and greater penalties if you are operating a vehicle in Michigan with blood alcohol content of .17 or more. Having a blood alcohol level of .08 or more is considered intoxicating driving in Michigan and has measurable punishments as well.

The decrease in the number of alcohol related accidents is not only taking place in Michigan, but nationally as well. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, deaths in crashes involving drunken drivers dropped 4.9 percent last year to 10,228, compared to 10,759 in 2009.

Even though numbers of alcohol related accidents are decreasing, it does not mean that drunk driving is not a serious issue. Drunken driving is still a very serious problem with deaths from alcohol related accidents accounting for about one-third of all traffic fatalities.

Victims of Michigan drunk driving accidents do have legal rights. If you or a family members suffer injuries due to an alcohol related crash in Michigan, contact one of our experienced Michigan drunk driving accident attorneys to discuss your case. Call us now at (800) 606-1717. We have successfully represented drunk driver accident victims for over forty years and are State of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Michigan Sponsor.